Seeley’s

ESSENTIALS OF
Anatomy &
Physiology
Tenth Edition

Cinnamon Vanputte
Jennifer Regan
Andrew Russo

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 Chapter 19

Reproductive System
Lecture Outline
 OBJECTIVES
List the functions of the male and female reproductive systems.

Describe the function of meiosis in the formation of sperm cells and

oocytes.

Describe the changes that occur in males and females during puberty.

List the hormones of reproductive system, and explain how their secretion
is regulated.

Define menstruation and menopause, and describe the changes that result
from it.

Describe the major age-related changes in the reproductive system.

 The Reproductive System
The human species could not survive without
functional male and female reproductive systems.
The reproductive systems play essential roles in
the development of the structural and functional
differences between males and females,
influence human behavior, and produce offspring.
However, a reproductive system, unlike other
organ systems, is not necessary for the survival of
an individual human.
 Reproductive System Functions
1. Production of gametes
2. Fertilization
3. Development and nourishment of a new
individual
4. Production of reproductive hormones
Major Reproductive Organs

Figure 19.1
 Formation of Gametes
Gametes:
• sex cells
• sperm in males
• oocytes (eggs) in females
Meiosis:
• a special type of cell division that leads to formation
of sex cells
Each sperm cell and each oocyte contains 23
chromosomes
 Meiosis 1

1. Before meiosis begins, all the chromosomes are

duplicated.
2. At the beginning of meiosis, each of the 46
chromosomes consists of 2 chromatids connected
by a centromere.
3. The chromosomes align as pairs in a process called
synapsis.
4. Because each chromosome consists of 2 chromatids,
the pairing of the chromosomes brings 2 chromatids
of each chromosome close together.
 Meiosis 2

5. Genetic material is exchanged on occasion,

when a part of a chromatid of 1 chromosome
breaks off and is exchanged with part of
another chromatid from the other
chromosome, in a process termed, crossing
over.
6. Meiosis I produces 2 cells, each having 23
chromosomes composed of 2 chromatids
joined at a centromere.
 Meiosis 3

7. During Meiosis II, each of the 2 cells divide

into 2 cells and the centromere breaks, giving
separate chromosomes.
8. The final result from meiosis are four cells,
each having 23 chromosomes.
Since the number of chromosomes are reduced
during the process of dividing into 4 cells, the
process is a reduction division process.
Meiosis 4

Figure 19.2
 From Fertilization to Fetus
Fertilization:
• union of sperm and oocyte
Zygote:
• what develops after fertilization
• develops into an embryo 3 to 14 days after fertilization
Embryo:
• 14 to 56 days after fertilization
Fetus:
• 56 days after fertilization
 Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system consists of the
testes, a series of ducts, accessory glands, and
supporting structures.
The ducts include the epididymis, the ductus
deferens, and the urethra.
Accessory glands include the seminal vesicles,
the prostate gland, and the bulbourethral glands.
Supporting structures include the scrotum and
the penis.
Male Reproductive Structures

Figure 19.3
 Male Reproductive Organs 1

Scrotum:
• contains testes
• contains dartos muscle that moves scrotum and
testes close to and away from body depending on
temp.
• sperm must develop at temp. less than body temp.
 Male Reproductive Organs 2

Testes:
• primary male reproductive organ
• produces sperm
• in scrotum
• contain seminiferous tubules: where sperm is
produced
 Male Reproductive Organs 3

Testes continued:
• contain interstitial cells: secrete testosterone
• contain germ cells: cells that sperm cells arise from
• contain sustentacular cells: nourish germ cells and
produce hormones
 Male Reproductive Organs 4

Epididymis:
• thread-like tubules on side of each testis
• where seminiferous tubules empty new sperm
• where sperm continue to mature develop ability to
swim and bind to oocytes
 Male Reproductive Organs 5

Ductus deferens:
• “vas deferens”
• extends from epididymis and joins seminal vesicle
• cut during a vasectomy
 Male Reproductive Organs 6

Urethra:
• extends from urinary bladder to end of penis
• passageway for urine and male reproductive fluids
 Male Reproductive Organs 7

Penis:
• corpus cavernosum, corpus spongiosum, spongy
urethra:
• 3 columns of erectile tissue which fill with blood for
erection
• transfer sperm from male to female
• excrete urine
Male Reproductive System Glands
Seminal Vesicles:
• next to ductus deferens
• helps form ejaculatory duct
Prostate gland:
• surrounds urethra
• size of a walnut
Bulbourethral gland:
• small mucus secreting glands near base of prostate
gland
Male Reproductive Structures

Figure 19.3
Male Reproductive Organs 1

Figure 19.6a
Male Reproductive Organs 2

Figure 19.6b
 Secretions 1

Semen:
• mixture of sperm and secretions from glands
• provides a transport medium and nutrients that
• protect and activate sperm
• 60% of fluid is from seminal vesicles
• 30% of fluid is from prostate gland
• 5% of fluid is from bulbourethral gland
• 5% of fluid is from testes
 Secretions 2

Seminal vesicles:
• provide fructose
• contain prostaglandins which decrease mucus
thickness around cervix and uterine tubes and help
sperm move through female repro. tract
• contains coagulants that help deliver semen into
female
 Secretions 3

Prostate gland:
• contains enzymes to liquefy semen after it is inside
female
• neutralizes acidity of vagina
Bulbourethral gland:
• neutralize acidity of male urethra and female vagina
 Secretions 4

Testicular secretions:
• include sperm and small amount of fluid
2 to 5 milliliters of semen is ejaculated each time
1 milliliter of semen contains 100 million sperm
Sperm can live for 72 hours once inside female
 Path of Sperm
1. Sperm develop in seminiferous tubules
(testes)
2. Epididymis (mature)
3. Ductus deferens
4. Receive secretions from seminal vesicles,
prostate gland, and bulbourethral gland
5. Urethra where semen (sperm) exit body
 Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis:
• formation of sperm cells
• begins at puberty
• interstitial cells increase in number and size
• seminiferous tubules enlarge
• seminiferous tubules produce germ cells and
sustentacular cells
 Production of Sperm Cells
1. Germ cells
2. Spermatogonia
3. Primary spermatocytes
4. Secondary spermatocytes
5. Spermatids
6. Sperm cells
Spermatogenesis

Figure 19.5
 Sperm Cell Structure
Head:
• contain a nucleus and DNA
Midpiece:
• contain mitochondria
Tail:
• flagellum for movement
Structure of the Testis and Sperm Cell

Figure 19.4
 Male Sex Hormones 1

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is

produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates
secretion of LH and FSH.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is produced in the
anterior pituitary and stimulates secretion of
testosterone.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced in
the anterior pituitary and prompts
spermatogenesis.
 Male Sex Hormones 2

Testosterone is produced in the interstitial cells

in the testes and is involved in development and
maintenance of reproductive organs.
Inhibin secreted by cells of the seminiferous
tubules and inhibits FSH secretion.
Male Reproductive Hormone Regulation

Figure 19.7
 Male Puberty
Male puberty:
• sequence of events in which a boy begins to produce
male hormones and sperm cells
• begins at 12 to 14 and ends around 18
• testosterone is major male hormone
• secondary sexual characteristics develop:
Example - skin texture, fat distribution, hair growth,
skeletal muscle growth, and larynx changes
 Male Sex Act 1

The male sex act is a complex series of reflexes that

result in erection of the penis, secretion of mucus
into the urethra, emission, and ejaculation.
Emission is the movement of sperm cells, mucus,
prostatic secretions, and seminal vesicle secretions
into the prostatic, membranous, and spongy
urethra.
Ejaculation is the forceful expulsion of the
secretions that have accumulated in the urethra to
the exterior.
 Male Sex Act 2

Sensations, normally interpreted as pleasurable,

occur during the male sex act and result in an
intense sensation called an orgasm.
A phase called resolution occurs after
ejaculation in which the penis becomes flaccid,
an overall feeling of satisfaction exists, and the
male is unable to achieve erection and a second
ejaculation.
 Penile Erection
Erection is the first major component of the male sex
act.
Neural stimuli cause the penis to enlarge and
become firm.
Specifically, parasympathetic action potentials from
the sacral region of the spinal cord cause the arteries
that supply blood to the erectile tissues to dilate.
Blood then fills small venous sinuses called sinusoids
in the erectile tissue and compresses the veins,
which reduces blood flow from the penis.
 Penile Ejaculation
Ejaculation results from the contraction of smooth
muscle in the wall of the urethra and skeletal
muscles surrounding the base of the penis.
Just before ejaculation, action potentials are sent to
the skeletal muscles that surround the base of the
penis.
Rhythmic contractions are produced that force the
semen out of the urethra, resulting in ejaculation.
In addition, muscle tension increases throughout
the body.
 Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive organs consist of the
ovaries, the uterine tubes, the uterus, the
vagina, the external genitalia, and the mammary
glands.
The internal reproductive organs of the female
are located within the pelvis, between the
urinary bladder and the rectum.
Female Pelvis

Figure 19.18
Female Reproductive Organs 1

Figure 19.9
 Female Reproductive Organs 2

Ovaries:
• primary female reproductive organ
• produces oocytes and sex hormones
• one on either side of uterus
• ovarian ligaments: anchor ovaries to uterus
• suspensory ligaments: anchor ovaries to pelvic cavity
• ovarian follicle: cells in ovaries that contain oocytes
Structure of Ovary and Ovarian Follicles

Figure 19.10
 Female Reproductive Organs 3

Uterine (Fallopian) tubes:

• part of uterus which extends toward ovaries and
receive oocytes
• fimbriae are fringe-like structures around opening of
uterine tubes that help sweep oocyte into uterine
tubes
• tubal ligation (sterilization of female)
 Female Reproductive Organs 4

Uterus:
• pear sized structure located in pelvic cavity
• functions: receive, retain, and provide nourishment
for fertilized oocyte, where embryo resides and
develops
• body: main part
• cervix: narrow region that leads to vagina
 Female Reproductive Organs 5

Uterus wall layers:

• perimetrium (serous): outermost layer
• myometrium (muscular): middle layer
• composed of smooth muscle
• endometrium: innermost layer that is sloughed off
during menstruation
 Female Reproductive Organs 6

Vagina:
• extends from uterus to outside of body
• female copulation organ that receives penis during
intercourse
• allows menstrual flow
• involved in childbirth
• contains very muscular walls and a mucous membrane
• very acidic to keep bacteria out
 External Female Genitalia 1

Vulva:
• external female sex organs
• mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and
vestibule
Mons pubis:
• fatty layer of skin covering pubic symphysis
 External Female Genitalia 2

Labia majora:
• larger, outer folds of skin
• equivalent to male scrotum
Labia minora:
• thin, inner folds of skin
 External Female Genitalia 3

Clitoris:
• small erectile structure located in vestibule
• equivalent to male penis
Prepuce:
• where 2 labia minora unite over clitoris
Vestibule:
• space in which vagina and urethra are located
Female External Genitalia

Figure 19.12
Maturation of the Oocyte and Follicle

Figure 19.11
 Ovulation
Ovulation:
• release of an oocyte from the ovary
• due to LH secreted from the anterior pituitary
Corpus luteum:
• mature follicle after ovulation
• degenerates if egg is not fertilized
 Oogenesis and Fertilization 1

Females are born with all of their oogonia (2

million), unlike males that only begin to
produce sperm during puberty.
At puberty about 300,000 to 400,000 oogonia
are left.
Puberty to menopause, FSH stimulates several
follicles to begin developing during each
menstrual cycle but only 1 follicle should be
ovulated.
 Oogenesis and Fertilization 2

Oocytes are swept into one of uterine tubes by

fimbriae.
If sperm is present in uterine tube during
ovulation oocyte could be fertilized.
If fertilization occurs then zygote implants in
uterus.
Oocyte only lives for 24 hours, so if no sperm is
present at ovulation no zygote develops, and
oocyte dies.
 Female Puberty
Begins between 11 to 13 and is usually
completed by 16
Menarche first episode of menstrual bleeding
Vagina, uterus, uterine tubes, and external
genitalia to enlarge and fat is deposited in
breast and hips
Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone
are secreted by ovaries
 Mammary Glands
Organs of milk production in breasts
Modified sweat glands
Female breasts begin to enlarge during puberty
Consists of lobes covered by adipose
Lobes, ducts, lobules are altered during lactation
to expel milk
Anatomy of the Breast

Figure 19.13
 Female Sex Hormones 1

Gonadotropin-releasing (GnRH) hormone is

produced in the hypothalamus and stimulates
secretion of LH and FSH.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is produced in the
anterior pituitary and causes ovulation.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced in
the anterior pituitary and prompts follicles in the
ovaries to begin development.
 Female Sex Hormones 2

Estrogen:
• proliferation of endometrial cells
• development of mammary glands (especially duct
system)
• control of LH and FSH secretion
• development and maintenance of secondary sex
characteristics
 Female Sex Hormones 3

Progesterone:
• enlargement of endometrial cells and secretion of
fluid from uterine glands
• maintenance of pregnancy state
• development of mammary glands (especially alveoli)
• control of estrogen, FSH, and LH secretion
• development of secondary sex characteristics
 Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual cycle:
• series of changes that occur in sexually mature,
nonpregnant females
Menses:
• time when endometrium is shed from uterus
Average is 28 days and results from cyclical
changes that occur in endometrium
 Stages of Menstrual Cycle 1

Days 1 to 5 Menses (shedding of endometrium)

• menstrual bleeding (menses)
• estrogen and progesterone levels are low
• follicle begins to mature
 Stages of Menstrual Cycle 2

Days 6 to 13 Proliferative (between end of

menses and ovulation)
• endometrium rebuilds
• estrogen levels begin to increase
• progesterone levels remain low
• follicle matures
 Stages of Menstrual Cycle 3

Day 14 Ovulation
• oocyte is released due to LH
• estrogen levels high
• progesterone levels are increasing
• cervical mucus thins
 Stages of Menstrual Cycle 4

Days 15 to 28 Secretory (between ovulation and

next menses)
• endometrium is preparing for implantation
• estrogen levels decrease (low)
• progesterone levels high
• cervical mucus thickens
Menstrual Cycle

Figure 19.14
 Menopause
Menopause
• time when ovaries secrete less hormones and number
of follicles in ovaries is low
• menstrual cycle and ovulation are less regular
• hot flashes, fatigue, irritability may occur
• estrogen replacement therapy may be used to
decreases side effects
 Female Sexual Behavior 1

Sexual drive in females, like sexual drive in males,

is dependent on hormones.
Testosterone-like hormones, and possibly
estrogen, affect brain cells (especially in the area
of the hypothalamus) and influence sexual
behavior.
Testosterone-like hormones are produced
primarily in the adrenal cortex.
 Female Sexual Behavior 2

Psychological factors also play a role in sexual

behavior.
The sensory and motor neural pathways involved
in controlling female sexual responses are similar
to those found in the male.
 Female Sex Act 1

During sexual excitement, erectile tissue within

the clitoris and around the vaginal opening
becomes engorged with blood.
The mucous glands within the vestibule secrete
small amounts of mucus, with larger amounts
extruded into the vagina through its wall.
Stimulation of the female’s genitals during sexual
intercourse and psychological stimuli normally
trigger an orgasm, or climax.
 Female Sex Act 2

The vaginal and uterine smooth muscle, as well as

the surrounding skeletal muscles, contract
rhythmically, and muscle tension increases
throughout much of the body.
After the sex act, there is a period of resolution,
which is characterized by an overall sense of
satisfaction and relaxation.
 Contraception 1

Many methods are used to prevent pregnancy,

either by preventing fertilization (contraception)
or by preventing implantation of the developing
embryo.
Methods include behavioral, barrier, chemical,
and surgical.
Contraception 2

(a,b,d) ©McGraw- Hill Education/Jill Braaten; (c) ©Aaron Haupt/Science Source; (e) ©Martin
Shields/Alamy
 CHANGES
In males, the onset of reproductive capability
also occurs at puberty, but although there is a
gradual diminishment of reproductive function,
there does not seem to be a distinct end-point
for male reproductive capability.
 Reference
VanPutte, C., Regan, J., Russo, A., Seeley, R.,
Stephens, T., & Tate, P. (2014). Seeley’s
Anatomy and Physiology (10th ed.).
McGrawHill Companies Inc.